Direct current can be stored in batteries, while alternating current is difficult to store mainly due to the physical characteristics of both and the limitations of energy storage technology. These factors are explained in detail below:
1.How batteries work: Batteries produce and store electrical energy through chemical reactions. These chemical reactions produce direct current, which is the flow of electric current in a fixed direction. Due to the chemical nature of batteries, they are naturally suited to generate and store direct current.
2.Stability of direct current: Direct current (DC) has a constant voltage and direction, which makes it easier to store and control. Batteries and other energy storage devices are able to efficiently store this stable form of energy.
3.Alternating current variability: Alternating current (AC) is characterized by periodic changes in the direction of current and voltage. This change complicates the direct storage of alternating current, as an energy storage system that can adapt to this cyclical change is required.
4.Necessity of conversion: In order to store alternating current, it is usually necessary to convert it to direct current first. This is because existing energy storage technologies, such as batteries, supercapacitors, etc., are based on direct current. AC power can be converted to DC power by a rectifier, stored in a battery, and then converted back to AC power via an inverter when needed.
5.Technical challenges and costs: Developing a technology that can store AC power directly presents significant challenges. This not only requires new physical mechanisms, but can also involve costly and complex control systems.
6.Application requirements: Most power applications, especially portable and electronic devices, are designed based on direct current. Therefore, the development of technologies for direct storage of alternating current is not necessary in most cases.
In summary, direct current can be stored using batteries, while alternating current is difficult to store, mainly due to the chemical working principle of the battery, the stability of direct current, and the periodic change characteristics of alternating current. Currently, storing alternating current usually requires converting it to direct current first.